International trade has been a regular feature in news headlines in the first half of 2025, with tariff announcements, supply chain disruptions, and Australian dollar depreciation creating a volatile environment for Queensland exporters. Regardless of business size, industry or location, those who rely on international trade as part of their business model are being forced to rethink their current approach to safeguard future operations.  

If your business falls within this cohort, below are 5 ways you can future-proof your operations and position yourself to capitalise on upcoming opportunities.  

1. Diversify your international markets

Relying too heavily on a single international market increases your exposure to risk. Whether it’s sudden policy changes, geopolitical tensions, or economic downturns in one country, having a narrow export footprint can make your business vulnerable. 

Queensland businesses should look to explore underutilised or emerging markets where Australia holds Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), such as India, ASEAN nations, or the United Kingdom. FTAs not only reduce trade barriers but often provide preferential access and reduced tariffs, improving competitiveness and opening doors to new customers. 

A diversified export strategy will help mitigate shocks and provide multiple revenue streams, giving your business greater resilience and flexibility in a volatile market. 

2. Adapt your supply chain

Your current supply chain may have served you well in the past, but it could be time to reassess its efficiency, resilience, and long-term viability. 

Explore alternative suppliers or manufacturing hubs closer to home or in countries with more stable trade relations. Shifting part of your supply chain to more regionally aligned partners, such as those within Southeast Asia, can reduce exposure to high-risk zones and improve lead times. 

Digitising your supply chain operations with real-time tracking, demand forecasting, and supplier analytics can also help you identify bottlenecks early and respond faster to disruptions. 

3. Get ready for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to inject $4.6 billion into Queensland’s international trade and tourism sectors and $8.5 billion nationally. This once-in-a-generation event will shine a global spotlight on Queensland’s businesses, goods, services, and capabilities. 

Now is the time to prepare your business to be Games-ready. This could involve aligning your product offerings with international market preferences, ensuring your business meets local and global market expectations, including in relation to sustainability and diversity and inclusion, upgrading your branding to appeal to a global audience or enhancing your digital presence for international visibility. 

With the world’s eyes on Queensland, businesses should capitalise on the opportunity to position themselves as globally competitive and culturally aware. 

4. Explore new partnerships

Collaborating with other businesses, both locally or internationally, can help you scale your capabilities, enter new markets, share resources, and even develop joint innovations. 

This might mean partnering with a logistics company to streamline international shipping, working with a distributor in a target export market, or collaborating with a local firm to offer a bundled service or product. 

Strong partnerships not only enhance your market offering but also increase business sustainability by spreading risk and creating more robust support networks.

5. Review your procurement strategy

Procurement is no longer a ‘set and forget’ activity. Businesses must now regularly revisit their procurement strategy and look beyond cost when making sourcing decisions. Factors such as geopolitical stability, logistics reliability, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) are becoming more important than ever. 

You need to examine both ends of the value chain: where you’re sourcing your materials from and where your products are going. Establishing a dual approach to business-to-business (B2B) matching, both in terms of finding reliable suppliers and identifying new client bases, can provide greater control and insight into your trading environment. 

Incorporating flexible contracts, multiple sourcing options, and regular supplier reviews into your procurement strategy will help you stay agile.  

Queensland businesses that rely on international trade must remain proactive to navigate the current global landscape and remain competitive. By diversifying markets, adapting supply chains, reassessing procurement strategies, preparing for major global events like the 2032 Olympics, and forming strong partnerships, you can strengthen your operations and unlock new growth opportunities. 

How can Business Chamber Queensland help? 

Business Chamber Queensland’s International Consultants have real-world experience helping businesses break into and expand across global markets. Our team can help you: 

• Identify target markets: Conduct market research and identify the most promising markets for your products or services.
• Develop export strategies: Create customised export plans that align with your business goals and resources. 
• Building export capabilities: Strengthen your team’s skills and systems for international trade.
• Navigate regulations: Ensure compliance with international export documentation and international standards.
• Access funding and support: Connect you with relevant government programs, grants and financing options. 
• Build international networks: Facilitate connections with potential partners, distributors, and customers.